phone: 908-352-7664 ext. 9708
email: tbaskerville@hillsidek12.org
Science
The Hillside Science Department
The Mission for Science Instruction
The Science Department is committed to ensuring that all students are actively engaged in meaningful scientific learning. Through equitable access to rigorous, New Jersey Student Learning Standards–aligned instruction, we cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the sciences. Our instructional approach emphasizes science and engineering practices, inquiry-based learning, and real-world problem solving, empowering students to build the knowledge and skills necessary for success in college, careers, and an increasingly STEM-driven world.
Vision
Our vision is to develop scientifically literate students who think critically, ask questions, and apply scientific reasoning to understand and improve the world around them. Through a coherent K–12 science program, students engage in hands-on investigations and collaborative learning experiences that deepen their understanding of life, physical, and earth sciences.
At the elementary and middle school levels, students explore science through OpenSciEd, a research-based, NGSS-aligned curriculum that has received top ratings from EdReports, promoting inquiry, collaboration, and phenomenon-driven learning.
At the high school level, students participate in laboratory-based courses including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science, while also having opportunities to explore advanced pathways through electives such as Project Lead the Way Engineering, Computer Science, and Biomedical Sciences.
Together, these experiences prepare students to become innovators, problem solvers, and informed citizens ready to pursue futures in science, engineering, technology, and related fields.
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